Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Bike path or Tour de France?

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Our bike path system in the Wood River Valley is a wonderful multi-use facility for young and old and their dogs and horses.

In nine-and-a-half years of using the bike path as a pedestrian, horsewoman, and pleasure biker (with and without my dogs), I have encountered skateboarders, dogs, horses, pleasure bikers who always smile, nod, say hello and give each other "space."

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However, the road bike racing warriors have become more abundant and dangerous. They appear out of nowhere like the Blue Angels, and at comparable excessive speeds. They don't use bells and rarely call-out to announce their fast, fleeting presence. No smiles or nods. They don't like to break pace or speed.

In the past month, I have experienced near disasters on several occasions: They sped by and knocked papers out of my hand; I stopped to tie a shoelace and three road-bikers sped around me; one knocked my shoulder bag off my shoulder, without stopping, as I walked with a friend.

The Lance Armstrong and Greg LeMond "wannabes" should take their road bikes to the road, as they are named, at the speeds they travel.

Our bike path is leisure-based and not a training ground for the Tour de France. We welcome your presence in a leisurely, courteous and safe manner.

Jennifer Montgomery

Hailey